as in scams
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
the explanation was so plausible that I never suspected it was all a con to make off with my car
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in studies
to commit to memory
usually candidates con their entire campaign speech, right down to the jokes they supposedly ad-lib
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reviews
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)
seemed to be conning his face for any sign of uncertainty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in hustles
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
a fly-by-night operator who had conned hundreds of would-be homeowners out of their hard-earned money
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in tricks
to cause to believe what is untrue
tried to con me into thinking that he had actually won the lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cons
Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
Consider both carefully, then, before getting started, and explore the pros and cons of splitting your funds between both to best determine your next step.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
This focuses the debate not on the pros and cons of string theory but on the reasonableness of the assumptions.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
Here’s what some workers, managers and experts have to say about the pros and cons of microshifting.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
First, both councils should direct their staff to coordinate with each other and produce a joint staff report giving both city councils a common set of facts on the pros and cons of different options to make this intersection safer.
—Jerry Presley, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Salon leaders might opt to continue using those products, weighing the pros and cons.
—Kelley Swing, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Protagonists weigh the emotional and logistical pros, cons, and costs of procreation under less than ideal conditions.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
Debate teams from Valparaiso and Chesterton high schools will debate the pros and cons of data centers Monday.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
This deliberative process should allow 535 Congresspeople and 100 Senators to weigh the pros and cons of war against Iran.
—Dr. Michael Good, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026
Consider both carefully, then, before getting started, and explore the pros and cons of splitting your funds between both to best determine your next step.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
This focuses the debate not on the pros and cons of string theory but on the reasonableness of the assumptions.
—Quanta Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
Here’s what some workers, managers and experts have to say about the pros and cons of microshifting.
—ABC News, 19 Mar. 2026
First, both councils should direct their staff to coordinate with each other and produce a joint staff report giving both city councils a common set of facts on the pros and cons of different options to make this intersection safer.
—Jerry Presley, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026
Salon leaders might opt to continue using those products, weighing the pros and cons.
—Kelley Swing, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2026
Protagonists weigh the emotional and logistical pros, cons, and costs of procreation under less than ideal conditions.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 2026
Debate teams from Valparaiso and Chesterton high schools will debate the pros and cons of data centers Monday.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cons. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
